A Reflection on Independence
As the nation celebrates another year of independence, this powerful image of a woman dressed in Nigeria's national colors green and white behind bars, serves as a striking visual protest and a bold commentary on the true state of freedom in the country.
At first glance, she looks patriotic her outfit symbolizing hope (green) and peace (white), the very ideals upon which Nigeria's independence was founded. But the bars separating her from the world speak louder than her colors. Her silent expression, marked by strength, pain, and a plea for understanding, tells a deeper story a story of a people still seeking true freedom.
What is she telling the world?
She represents the millions of Nigerians who, despite over six decades of independence, remain trapped by poverty, unemployment, poor governance, insecurity, and broken systems. Her gaze challenges us to ask: What is independence when many citizens still battle daily to survive?
-She is the woman who works tirelessly but is underpaid.
- She is the graduate without a job.
- She is the youth silenced for speaking out.
She is the citizen living in fear of injustice, corruption, and violence.
Though we may wave the flag and sing the anthem, this image reminds us that independence is not just a date it should be a lived reality. A reality where freedom is felt in the streets, in the economy, in the justice system, in education, and in the hearts of every citizen.
This is not just a picture.
It is a question.
A protest.
A call to action.
To redeem us from the “prisons” symbolized in that image poverty, injustice, corruption, bad leadership, insecurity, and hopelessness we must take a collective and intentional path. Here’s what is needed:
1. Value-Based Leadership
- Elect leaders with integrity, vision, and love for the people not just political ambition.
- Promote accountability at all levels of government.
2. Civic Awareness & Active Participation
- Citizens must know their rights and use their voice vote wisely, protest peacefully, hold leaders accountable.
- Avoid selling votes or supporting corruption for personal gain.
3. Education & Empowerment
- Invest in quality education not just degrees, but practical and digital skills.
- Encourage entrepreneurship and local innovations.
4. Youth Engagement
- Young people must stop waiting to be “given” power and start preparing to take responsibility.
- Get involved in policy, tech, agriculture, and leadership not just entertainment and survival.
5. Judicial & Police Reform
- Real justice must work for all, not just the rich.
- Security agencies should protect, not oppress.
6. Cultural Rebirth
- Promote values of unity, honesty, hard work, and empathy over tribalism and greed.
7. Spiritual Reawakening
- A return to godly principles in both private and public life truth, justice, mercy.
- Religious institutions should be voices of truth, not comfort for oppression.
In summary:
We must stop celebrating “freedom” while we live in chains.
Redemption starts with awareness, grows with action, and is sustained by unity and faith.
As we celebrate, may we reflect on how far we've come, how far we still must go, and what role we each must play to ensure that the dream of Nigeria’s independence is not just symbolic but truly liberating for all.
Written by Emmanuel Henry
President National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students UNN
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